Chief Convener Pan-Afrika Drum Festival 2024, Canada, Prince Akanni, has described African culture as dynamic, rich and accommodating, with a potential to drive growth and stimulate human interactions. He said that the African drum is a symbol of community growth and sustainable development, adding that ‘one of Africa’s major heritages is the drum. The beautiful African drum, which comes in different shapes and sizes, is symbolic and serves as a catalyst for community and societal growth, progress, and sustainable development.’
Prince Akanni spoke on the festival’s theme Exploring the Dynamism of African Drums and Canadian Multiculturalism for Global Unity, Inclusivity and Development stressed the need to preserve African cultural heritage.
The second edition of the festival was held between June 27th and 28th and attracted diverse array of attendees, including government officials, dignitaries, Afro-Canadians and cultural enthusiasts from around the globe.
He announced plans to establish a cultural center in Toronto, Brampton, or Mississauga. This center, he said, will feature unique paintings, artworks, Canadian and African traditional drums, artifacts, and other cultural and historical items.
Akanni called for support from the Canadian, Ontario, Toronto, and Brampton governments to make this initiative a reality, emphasizing the center’s potential to foster learning and cultural exchange.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau delivered a goodwill message celebrating Africa’s rich culture and diversity. He noted the significant contributions Canadians of African descent have made across various fields and expressed his appreciation for the festival’s role in highlighting these achievements.
Trudeau’s message reflected the Canadian government’s commitment to multiculturalism and its recognition of the festival as an important cultural event.
Ambassador Anselm Sowah, Ghanaian High Commissioner to Canada, applauded Prince Akanni for his passion and dedication to promoting African cultural heritage. Sowah was impressed by the festival’s organisation and presentation, calling Akanni a ‘cultural superhero.’ His message reflected the pride and support of the Ghanaian community for the festival’s success.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford commended the festival’s organisers for their dedication to promoting cultural heritage. He described the festival as an opportunity to explore the dynamism of African drums alongside Ontario’s multicultural tapestry. Ford expressed hope that the festival’s spirit of harmony, diversity, and unity would resonate widely, underscoring the event’s significance in celebrating cultural diversity.
The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, sent a message highlighting the drum’s pivotal role in African cultural identity and its ability to convey messages of peace and solidarity. He commended Prince Akanni for organising the festival and encouraged participants to be inspired by the rhythms of African drums.
Mayor Patrick Brown of Brampton also extended his support, thanking Prince Akanni for his efforts in organising the festival. He expressed pride in the festival’s team and noted the event’s endorsement by the Ooni of Ife as a testament to its cultural significance.
Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, also sent a goodwill message, emphasizing the importance of cultural heritage in building bridges between communities and nations.
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She highlighted how events like the Pan-Afrika Drum Festival can help preserve African traditions while fostering greater understanding and cooperation globally.
Mayor Olivia Chow of Toronto expressed her support for the festival, highlighting its role in promoting Pan-African art and heritage. She noted that the event provided a unique opportunity to learn about drumming, which plays a significant role in ceremonial events and community rituals in Pan-African culture.
The Osun State Government was well-represented at the festival by Osun State Commissioner for Youth, Moshood Olagunju and Mrs. Olu Jenyo, who represented Chief (Mrs.) Ngozi Adeleke, the wife of the Governor of Osun State, as the Mother of the Day.
Their presence underscored the support of Nigerian state governments in promoting cultural initiatives abroad, reflecting a shared vision of cultural preservation and global unity.
The festival featured performances by diverse drumming and dance groups, including the Pan-Afrikan Drum Festival Drummers, Kamingo Cultural Troupe from East Africa, Brazilian Reggae Drummers, Asian Hips Don’t Lie Dancers, Brazilian Samba Dancers, Efik Cultural Troupe, and Ekiti Cultural Troupe. The performances showcased the rich tapestry of global cultural traditions, captivating the audience with their vibrancy and diversity.
The festival also featured awards ceremony recognising Canadians, Africans and Afro-Canadians who have distinguished themselves in cultural promotion and other fields.